In the 1970s and 1980s, there was significant worldwide interest in martial arts generally which has continued through to today. There are many different styles of martial arts, one of which is karate. One style of karate has grown to become one of the most popular – Shotokan.

Shotokan karate is practised by the Japan Karate Association (JKA) and was set up in 1955. It has grown to become the world’s largest karate association. The JKA has full time staff with which constant improvements are being made all the time. The JKA also maintain a specialist instructor programme to ensure high standards of understanding, skill and professionalism.

The branch of the JKA in England is the Japan Karate Association England (JKAE) and is affiliated to the JKA. It maintains he same standards as the JKA and has direct links to the senior instructors in Japan, as well as Europe who frequently feature at the many courses organised by the JKAE.